Skin Type Analysis

Today we're going to tackle something that gets most skin care beginners totally confused. The skin type. I want to go on the record RIGHT NOW and tell you that you are not going to be only one skin type forever. So, don't get wed to the results you get today. In a few years, you will have different concerns. Your skin may or may not change. Let this merely be a guiding tool to help you choose your products wisely.

Every skin care brand out there has some kind of classification system and different lines of product for different skin types. But how do you know what skin type you really are? Mature, sensitive, dry, oily, combination, normal, teen, acne prone..... it's enough to make your head spin. In order to really gauge your best skin type, Mario Badescu (you know I love him) has this excellent questionnaire on their website. Now, of course, most all skin care websites have some sort of questionnaire, but I find this one to be very thorough and helpful. This questionnaire will not merely spit out a random skin type at the end, but will have someone send you an email with your results. Quite helpful, and much more personalized than the typical analysis.

One thing to keep in mind is while it helps to know your skin type, this is a fluid concept that you should check annually. At different points in your life, your skin will have different concerns, and it's important to change your skin care routine accordingly. For example, at the moment, I am both sensitive and dry. While I have been dry most all my life, my sensitivity has increased in the last few years. I can also be acne prone, depending on stress and hormones. So, I am not just one type! And, my guess is that neither are you. You may be oily, but only in the summer months. You may be dry, but only in the winter months. You may become pregnant and find that your skin totally changes texture and tone. As you age, you may find that you need to begin to work in mature skin products to help with wrinkles, fine lines, and firmness. You may take a new job and find that your skin changes because of the increased amount of time inside or outside. This is all normal and just takes you being in tune with your body and skin to realize these changes.

Now let's discuss how your skin results from this questionnaire can help you buy products from lots of different lines. Mario classifies skin in the following groups: Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive. You'll see each of their products has little letters on it telling you which product is right for you. But, you can also use these results to help you purchase products from other lines, as well. If you are dry, you may consider adding a serum to your regimin, like the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel that I have mentioned in previous posts. If you find that your skin is sensitive, you may want to consider trying organic and botantical lines, like pevonia, boscia, ole henriksen, NUDE, or Jurlique.

So, take a small mental health break from work and go check your skin type. Did you get the results you expected? I hope that when you get home you will check your bathroom cabinet and look to see if the products you are currently using fit with the results you got from your analysis. If they don't fit, it might be time to try something new!